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Confederations Cup Preview: USA vs. Egypt
Who: United States vs. Egypt What: Confederations Cup When: 2:30 ET, Sunday, June 21 Where: Loftus Versfeld; Tshwane/Pretoria, South Africa TV: ESPN2 and Telefutura
Jun 19, 2009 2:17:58 PM
By Noah Davis
That the United States Men's National Team has zero points after its first two matches of the Confederations Cup isn't particularly a surprise. Bob Bradley's side can't be expected to get results against Italy and Brazil.
The concerning factor is the shocking lack of discipline, heart, and poise the Americans have shown in South Africa. The squad has played a man down for more than 90 minutes and, while the decisions to send off Ricardo Clark and Sacha Kljestan may have been harsh, the fouls were clumsy and reckless, not the work of a world class team.
Will a win against Confed Cup surprise Egypt -- which can secure its place in the semifinals with a victory of its own -- save the tournament for the Red, White, and Blue? Honestly, probably not, but it would be a start. Anything less and the trip to the site of next year's World Cup has to be considered a complete and abject failure.
Decisions, Decisions
During the first two matches, both Bradley's Starting XI and his in-game tactics have been second-, third-, and fourth-guessed (and for good reason). Supporters of the American coach could always point to his excellent record when detractors wondered why he wasn't, in their eyes, developing younger players more. Given the poor results recently, however, even his cheerleaders are wondering if he's the right man for the job.
That, however, is a discussion for another time. Immediate concern surrounds changes for the match against the Pharaohs. Although the U.S. can mathematically still qualify for the semifinals, it won't happen and the time has come to shake up the roster. Clint Dempsey is clearly exhausted from carrying Fulham and needs a rest. (We'll give Deuce the benefit of the doubt...) Jose Francisco Torres deserves a chance to shine, as does Freddy Adu.
Maybe even give Marvell Wynne another run at right back or try Heath Pearce on the left. At this point, getting players experience trumps winning.
Egypt Is An Example
Coming into the Confederations Cup, no one gave the winners of the last two African Nations Cup a puncher's chance to get out of the seemingly impossible group.
Yet the Pharaohs, led by coach Hassan Shehata and irrepressible goalkeeper Essam Al Hadari, are having the type of tournament the Americans hoped to have. They play for each other, rely on passion and hustle as much as skill, and are a pleasure to watch. (The U.S. would do well to view some film on its long flight back to the States.)
The squad pushed Brazil to the edge before falling to a late Kaka penalty kick, then outplayed Italy. For a team that's only qualified for two of the past 18 World Cups and won just one of its last four games coming into the tournament, that's an achievement worth celebrating.
Off to the Races
Against the Azzurri, Egypt's plan to sit back with five defenders and contain the Italian attack worked to perfection. Given that the U.S. squad is infinitely more beatable, however, you'd expect the Pharaohs to push the attack in search of a goal.
Mohamed Zidan, who plies his trade for Borussia Dortmund, tallied two against the Samba Boys but took a knock and came off early in the second half against the Azzurri. He leads the Egyptian attack, and if he can't play, the U.S. backline should have an easier day. With the U.S. likely fielding a more attacking-minded squad as well, the match could turn into a track meet.
Goal.com prediction: United States 1-1 Egypt
Noah Davis covers the U.S. Men's National Team for Goal.com
That the United States Men's National Team has zero points after its first two matches of the Confederations Cup isn't particularly a surprise. Bob Bradley's side can't be expected to get results against Italy and Brazil.
The concerning factor is the shocking lack of discipline, heart, and poise the Americans have shown in South Africa. The squad has played a man down for more than 90 minutes and, while the decisions to send off Ricardo Clark and Sacha Kljestan may have been harsh, the fouls were clumsy and reckless, not the work of a world class team.
Will a win against Confed Cup surprise Egypt -- which can secure its place in the semifinals with a victory of its own -- save the tournament for the Red, White, and Blue? Honestly, probably not, but it would be a start. Anything less and the trip to the site of next year's World Cup has to be considered a complete and abject failure.
Decisions, Decisions
During the first two matches, both Bradley's Starting XI and his in-game tactics have been second-, third-, and fourth-guessed (and for good reason). Supporters of the American coach could always point to his excellent record when detractors wondered why he wasn't, in their eyes, developing younger players more. Given the poor results recently, however, even his cheerleaders are wondering if he's the right man for the job.
That, however, is a discussion for another time. Immediate concern surrounds changes for the match against the Pharaohs. Although the U.S. can mathematically still qualify for the semifinals, it won't happen and the time has come to shake up the roster. Clint Dempsey is clearly exhausted from carrying Fulham and needs a rest. (We'll give Deuce the benefit of the doubt...) Jose Francisco Torres deserves a chance to shine, as does Freddy Adu.
Maybe even give Marvell Wynne another run at right back or try Heath Pearce on the left. At this point, getting players experience trumps winning.
Egypt Is An Example
Coming into the Confederations Cup, no one gave the winners of the last two African Nations Cup a puncher's chance to get out of the seemingly impossible group.
Yet the Pharaohs, led by coach Hassan Shehata and irrepressible goalkeeper Essam Al Hadari, are having the type of tournament the Americans hoped to have. They play for each other, rely on passion and hustle as much as skill, and are a pleasure to watch. (The U.S. would do well to view some film on its long flight back to the States.)
The squad pushed Brazil to the edge before falling to a late Kaka penalty kick, then outplayed Italy. For a team that's only qualified for two of the past 18 World Cups and won just one of its last four games coming into the tournament, that's an achievement worth celebrating.
Off to the Races
Against the Azzurri, Egypt's plan to sit back with five defenders and contain the Italian attack worked to perfection. Given that the U.S. squad is infinitely more beatable, however, you'd expect the Pharaohs to push the attack in search of a goal.
Mohamed Zidan, who plies his trade for Borussia Dortmund, tallied two against the Samba Boys but took a knock and came off early in the second half against the Azzurri. He leads the Egyptian attack, and if he can't play, the U.S. backline should have an easier day. With the U.S. likely fielding a more attacking-minded squad as well, the match could turn into a track meet.
Projected U.S. Lineup
--------------------Howard-------------------
Spector---Onyewu---Bocanegra---Pearce
Feilhaber-----Bradley------Torres-----Adu
----------Donovan---------Altidore---------
Projected Egypt Lineup
------------------El Hadary----------------
Said-----Gomaa------Said------Moawad
Abd Rabou---Shawky---Fathi---Hassan
----------------Aboutrika-------------------
-------------------Zidan---------------------
--------------------Howard-------------------
Spector---Onyewu---Bocanegra---Pearce
Feilhaber-----Bradley------Torres-----Adu
----------Donovan---------Altidore---------
Projected Egypt Lineup
------------------El Hadary----------------
Said-----Gomaa------Said------Moawad
Abd Rabou---Shawky---Fathi---Hassan
----------------Aboutrika-------------------
-------------------Zidan---------------------
Goal.com prediction: United States 1-1 Egypt
Noah Davis covers the U.S. Men's National Team for Goal.com
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